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CONGRESSIONAL VISITORS: Pages take first-hand look at Ind. Senate

COLUMBIA CITY — Three Whitley County students recently spent a day in Indianapolis with Indiana Senator Jim Banks as part of the Statehouse Page Program.Students were able to see what activities go on at the Statehouse, tour the historic building, meet the Senator and watch debates.“I visited the state building for a field trip in fourth grade and I really wanted to go back to learn more,” said Indian Springs Middle School sixth grader Mykaela Crowell. “I think someday I might run for Congress.” Crowell credited her interest in government to a friend’s mother who is in politics. She said Sen. Banks is her role model and she worries about issues such as abortion and gun control.Rhea Young, an eighth grader at ISMS, signed up for the Page Program for the second time because, she “liked to see how things go rather than just read about it.” Young’s first experience as a Page was in sixth grade at the suggestion of one of her teachers. Although she missed her chance in seventh grade, she was “excited” to have the opportunity again. Julia Leo of Eagle Tech Academy chose to enlist in the Page Program as part of her career class. She aspires to be a senator and be involved in politics.Most of Leo’s day was spent going from one place to another to vote on different topics. For her time spent in Indianapolis, Leo wore a special badge commemorating her involvement in the program. “This is a great opportunity for students to visit the Statehouse and involve themselves with their government,” Banks said. “I encourage students with an interest in government to take advantage of an opportunity for interactive education students with an interest in government to take advantage of an opportunity for interactive education in a real-world setting.”Students in grades six through 12 can participate in the Statehouse Page Program Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 4. To learn how to register a student to serve as a Senate Page, visit www.in.gov/senatepageprogram.For a more in-depth look at this story, see the Feb. 11 issue of The Post and Mail. Don't have a subscription? Call (260) 244-5153 or subscribe to our e-edition. For breaking news, sports updates and additional coverage, bookmark the homepage and find us on facebook.